Delhi HC allows release of 'Udaipur Files' movie
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay the release of movie 'Udaipur Files', based on tailor Kanhaiya Lal murder case, scheduled to hit the screens tomorrow.
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed the order while dismissing a plea seeking movie's stay, saying the petitioner failed to establish a prima facie case in his favour.
"Producer has already spent life earnings in the film and if the movie is not released the balance of convenience will be disturbed. Once a film has been certified by the Board and trial is not likely to be effected by exhibition, we find ourselves unable to agree to prayer for staying release of movie," the bench said.
On Wedneday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dismissed all revision petitions challenging the certification of the controversial film 'Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder', thereby clearing the path for its public release.
While allowing the release of the movie, the court on Thursday said that exhibition of the film will not cause any harm.
"Trial will be conducted by the judge uninfluenced as a trained judge. He has failed to establish how irreparable loss will be caused to him if release is not stayed. Prayer for staying release is hereby rejected," the bench said.
The bench was hearing arguments on a plea against the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) order clearing certification of the movie.
During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner Mohd. Javed, an accused in the murder case, told the court that if the film was allowed to be released, it would "prejudice the trial".
"Right to fair trial is supreme. Witnesses are to be examined. Film is only going to prejudice the trial. Dialogues are lifted from charge sheet. Title itself says Kanhaiya Lal murder. It will affect the trial," senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the accused, told the court.
The petition was opposed by the counsel representing the government, who said that authorities have applied its mind while clearing the movie for release.
"This is as fair as it can go. As transparent as it can be," the counsel said.
The counsel representing the movie produced, meanwhile, told the court that the tickets were already booked by viewers.
"Movie is to be released tomorrow. Producer has invested his lifetime saving in making this movie, which is his right as freedom of speech. Accused's name, his specific role not mentioned anywhere in film," Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the film producer, said.
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Riyan Parag likely to be fined 25 percent of match fees for vaping inside dressing room
New Delhi (PTI): Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is set to be fined 25 per cent of his match fee for bringing the game into "disrepute" after being caught vaping on camera during the IPL game against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Parag's actions during the Royals' chase on Tuesday night drew condemnation on social media.
PTI has learned that on field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon had not reported the matter to match referee Amit Sharma right after the game. They only did that after seeing visual proof and Sharma found Parag guilty for a code of conduct breach as per the IPL guidelines.
The Level 1 offences carries 25 per cent deduction from match fees and one demerit point.
"He is set to be fined a portion of his match fees and a demerit point for a Level 1 offence," said an IPL source.
The Indian government had banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale and distribution. As per the law, the offender faces imprisonment up to one year and/or a Rs one lakh fine for a first time offence.
"Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct, including Article 2.20," the IPL Code of Conduct states.
"By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.
"When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered.
"Further, the person lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence)."
Since it is a Level 1 offence there was no need for a hearing.
Parag, who has not had the best of times with the bat this IPL, was seen inhaling an e-cigarette, also known as vaping, in the dressing room during the live broadcast of their game against Punjab Kings. Royals won the game to end Kings' unbeaten run in the tournament.
This is not the first controversy to hit the Royals this season. Earlier this month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs one lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being found using his phone in the dugout.
IPL and BCCI officials involved in the conduct of the IPL termed it as a careless act in the age of social media and prying TV cameras.
Royals next host Delhi Capitals at home on Friday night.
